Tuesday, November 29, 2011

God who cares for those I love~


Ten days has passed so quickly~ The kids flew home to Denver today..good-bye Katie & Ryan and baby Hayden. We loved having you here and will miss you so much. Gosh, weren't we lucky to have these days together. Great Papa came to say good-bye and I'm sure he shed a tear as I did at the airport and Scottie did when he left for work early this morning. We are lucky indeed. Hayden is on the mend~ thank you God.

Merci God for the blessings you let me see~ I am one very lucky girl~

Monday, November 28, 2011

God who cares for all of us~

A very special email from my Daddy tonight! Upon hearing that Hayden was discharged from Children's Hospital today and is heading home with his mommy and daddy to Denver tomorrow~
BLESSED AM I. Merci God for caring for little Hayden and all of us~ Grammie :)
-----Original Message-----
From: David Leslie
To: cynthiaj952
Sent: Mon, Nov 28, 2011 4:18 pm
Subject: Fw: DailyThought 11.29.11

THIS ABOUT SAYS IT ALL!! XO, DAD.
From: DailyThought
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 8:48 PM
To: DailyThought Subscriber
Subject: DailyThought 11.29.11


AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AAOnline.net)
November 29, 2011
Prayer
Lord, make me a channel of thy peace --
that where there is hatred, I may bring love --
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness --
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony --
that where there is error, I may bring truth --
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith --
that where there is despair, I may bring hope --
that where there are shadows, I may bring light --
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted --
to understand, than to be understood -- to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen.
St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 99

Thought to Ponder . . .
Life is fragile, handle with prayer.


AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A S A P = Always Say A Prayer.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

God who cares for those I love~

Little Hayden is still in Children's Hospital~ a little bit better this afternoon, with a ways to go. His Mommy & Daddy are by his side~and holding up really well. It must be so hard to be away from "home" with a wee one so sick. Prayers for a speedy turnabout, discharge from the hospital, and a few good days with us, Grammie & Poppie, before heading home. I learn more about myself and others each day~ Merci God for your love of Hayden, his Mommy & Daddy!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

God who loves Baby Hayden

Our little grandson Hayden was dedicated today by Father Henry Doyle~at St.Mary's Hall Chapel in Faribault. It was a special service with a reading from Luke called "Song of Mary". How special of him to include Mom in the service. Katie, Ryan, & Hayden, along with Grammie (that's me :) and Poppie (Scottie :) and Great Papa were present. Hayden looked angelic in his while suit that I was lucky enough to get him as a gift. We had a nice brunch afterward at Jensen's. Our little guy had been at Urgent Care last night and was found to have croup. He seemed well, but took a turn this afternoon..and as I write he is at Children's Hospital after being sent there by Urgent Care. The kids must be very tired, as they were up most of the night. Kates is pregnant, remember? and due in March~ she needs lots of rest. We have had a wonderful week, very busy, and will cherish every moment.

Merci God for caring for each of us. Bless Father Doyle as he continues to wrap his arms around our family..he is very special to me~ I am grateful for those I love and are here, and for those I've had, and are not here~

Friday, November 25, 2011

God who I love~


The "Nook" for lunch..home of the famous "juicy lucy" and my SIL~Ryan say it is the best. Katie like them all, 5-8 Club and Matt's. I had a salad and Scottie a chicken sandwich~ And, little Hayden :( was very happy and eating up a storm when he threw up! Off we went, home, and later a trip to Urgent Care with Mom and Dad..croup :( He is a strong little guy. I bathed him, gave him is bottle (my very favorite moment) and tucked him in~ Mom and Dad met friends for dinner! Great leftovers for Scottie and I.

Another day come and gone .. special days are these. Warm both inside and out. Merci, Merci God for special days~

Thursday, November 24, 2011

God who cares for those I love~

What a beautiful day this has been~ Wonderful turkey by Scottie, all else by Katie & I. In all, there was Katie, Ryan & little Hayden, Dad, Cat, Peter and Mary, Scottie and I. The Reynolds kid's and their spouse stopped by for a bit. A beautiful balmy 56 degree day~ How blessed were we! We of course remembered all those who were not with us~ Mom, Boo, and our Ry, and those far away. My days cannot be quite the same, ever, until he returns~ That is my wish, that he returns when he is ready~

Merci God for the blessings in my life. To live and laugh and to be fully whole~ I am one lucky girl..to be so loved.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

God who knows what I need~


Having my daughter home with her daddy and I is just like drinking sweet tea on a summer day while a warm wind blows. Merci God for loving me so much!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

God who cares for all of us~

Katie, Hayden, & I had brunch this morning for girls, babies, and an auntie! Good food, monkey bread, and an egg & pork stratta, and an art project like the one above, made it a very special morning. I now have Hayden's little hand print to treasure forever. What a luck Mom and Grammie I am. Merci God for knowing me so well~

KK and I sure love entertaining together! We've gotten LOTS of practice here and in Colorado~how lucky :) From planning to place cards to decor, and cooking..it's always more fun with two..especially when it's my daughter!

Monday, November 21, 2011

God who loves me~


One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men....
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
  but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
  and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
  when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
  and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
  a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
  can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
  to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
  and everything to give..

Merci God for giving me my friend Laurel~ She understands where I've been and how hard it is for me to cope with where I'm going, day by day, without my son, Ryan.

Merci God for giving me my beautiful daughter Katie.  I've never loved her more than I do today, and what's so wonderful is that she know it~  I am more blessed than I ever expected to me.

I give this writing to my daughter, just as it was a gift to me from my Laurel~                    Merci

Saturday, November 19, 2011

God who loves my family~


We picked up Katie and her little Hayden at the airport tonight. What a wonderful feeling to have them home for the "holidays", back in our home again. It took about 2 minutes to connect with Hayden..driving home, I made up a little song and sang, "MinneSNOWta, MinneSNOWta here we are, here we are... Welcome little Hayden, Welcome little Hayden to our home." He giggled and giggled for miles..such a sweet little connection~ Sure lets me know how much I miss my Kate, and our baby grand. But for now they are home with Poppie and Grammie and we are lucky, indeed. Ryan will join his little family on Wednesday..in time for turkey day :)

Scottie was raking this morning and shoveling this afternoon~ quite a change in weather. I must got buy a little sled and take Hayden for a walk~ Merci God for the blessings in my life~ I am so grateful for each of them. I am willing to be patient for those things I want, knowing you know when~

Friday, November 18, 2011

God who loves me~


Gosh, another day of pink color! Not only has this been my one and only favorite color since I was a child, it continues to cheer me~ I find it totally relaxing and comforting. A good day at work~ until...oops I won't go in to the mom social worker and the "marketing director" that were all over my assessment..only to have the desire to have a young man with 3 young girls and a wife, be "home" for Christmas~ crazy thing about addiction...Christmas must wait~ at all costs.

Our little girl and her little boy arrive tomorrow night for Thanksgiving week.. what a thrill. Everyone is so excited and we will have much celebration! I'm lucky as celebration comes easily for me, must be all that gratitude I have.. Merci God for all I am and all I have~ I am truly lucky...and tired, off to read and rest my weary bones. Merci..I get butterflies when I think about tomorrow, xo

Thursday, November 17, 2011

God of my understanding~

Suck a wonderful, pink message for me~

Merci God for today~ A great day at work..not that there wasn't sadness..and people I care for that are getting sicker and I feel helpless, but then it's not up to me to make choices that only they can make..and if they want, they can. I good online training that I suggested~yea! Dinner with my sweetie and a nice night at home~ Two days and my baby girl and our little grand with be here! Merci from the bottom of my heart!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

God who helps me~


Gosh oh Gumbo~ I can barely keep my head upright and it's closing in on midnight. I shopped all day..it takes me a long time to shop for others..it must be very special indeed~ And then, I have the task of finding a christening gown for my little grand~ Hayden. Well, this project should have begun a long time ago, better yet, I should have treated myself to a sewing machine and I would have it done :) And as well, I must have some books and toys for him to play with, that would be nice for a tiny, active one year old... oh my~ maybe we'll have to go out for Thanksgiving (kidding) or order in (kidding again, I think). What a wonderful day, warm, sunny, and a gift...literally! It will come together~it always does, besides I have the help of my wee one, Kates~ if we aren't skyping the day away, or talking, or texting~ geez. It would be nice to live in the same city~ maybe one day. Merci God for walking, running and coming along with me today. It was a nice surprise to accomplish more than I planned! me

Monday, November 14, 2011

God who knows me~

How lucky can a mom be. I spent the day packing away every little thing that might entice my little grand baby. I don't want any little thing to come between his visit with his mom and dad, and our fun! We skyped a couple times, sent many emails, readying for Christmas, and it was the best of days. Home and close to those I love. Thanksgiving visits are very special indeed and I cannot wait to get my little girl, her son, and a few days later, her wonderful husband, home. Merci God for giving me a very special day~

Sunday, November 13, 2011

God who knows what I need~

What a relaxing day~ Drank tea and read the paper like forever..really! Showered and got dressed at 2:30pm, just before my Daddy came over for dinner. Lots of football for my sweetie~ Rest for me, and Laughs when my dad came. He has many stories, and is always looking up! Merci God for how you have blessed me~ I am the luckiest girl on earth.

Roasting Vegtables~ Tip of the Day!

tip of the day~
To roast vegetables, toss with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees F in a shallow pan for 25-30 minutes.
See more ways to prepare vegetables.
from BHG

Saturday, November 12, 2011

God who I love~


The end to a gorgeous sunshiny day~ Can it be so, that the high today was 64 degree's? We are all holding our breaths, soaking in the sun, letting it warm us, knowing it will change soon. Canterberry Fall Festival was fun, such creative people represented. A nothing day as far a work or accomplishment and it feels more important that if I would have worked hard..accomplishing "things". Merci God for your presence in my life. Nice dinner on the grill with my sweetie and watched "Water for Elephants," it was good, I liked the book better~ and Scottie watched football, which is very important :) Sweet Dreams~ my daddy is coming over for dinner tomorrow! xo

Friday, November 11, 2011

God who loves me~


The week has finally ended its grip on me and I am so glad to be home~ A busy week with change all around~ Some will make them stick and some won't. I wonder about me~ A brand new meeting started, a "no" to dinner out tonight because I wanted to be home, and I wanted others to get together because I know they can, without me, without my presence and can hold it together~ I am pleased I stuck to what I wanted to do...even with much pressure to reconsider!, I didn't~ YEAH! I am all tucked in my home with lots to do this weekend, but for tonight it's my sweetie & me...locked in and warm. Merci God for loving me~

Thursday, November 10, 2011

God who loves me~


Busy day at work, skype with our Colorado kids, dinner, home, and "words with friends". I love scrabble~ off to rest, watching medical shows. Hoped to make a bracelet..maybe tomorrow. Merci for your love God~ I am blessed~

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

God who knows what I need~

Merci God for the women in my life~ We had our first official "new" AA meeting at my house today. It is beyond me that an AA meeting that I had attended for 15 years became intolerable. It did and there's no reason to look back and recount the why's. It just was, for many of us. With a feeling of great loss I knew I could not return to that meeting. I needed something healthy~ It began today with four of us, it was loving and refreshing. We have much work to do; pick a name, format our desires, and most importantly, follow the AA way as Bill and Bob would want us to do, with respect for "the program" and for each other, providing trust and safety to all who join us in the months to come. For now we need to heal and it began today.. I skipped for the first time in a long stretch of Wednesdays. Merci God for knowing just what and who I need.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

God who knows what I need~


Merci God for a soothing weekend...thank you honey for an always safe, calm, and loving home~ With all going on.. now Barb, we should just run and play~
:)

Saturday, November 5, 2011

God who carries me~


I wonder if I have melancholy. I copied a friend that just used this word, so I took it for now, for wondering. I've been home all day, peaceful, and wondering if I couldn't just stay here forever, from now on. I am overwhelmed with the craziness at work, concerned really that what I hear and what I see hasn't just worn me out, because I am. I feel I need lots of space and lots of time with me~ and my sweetie. I feel I need to leave work, do something else but I feel mad about it. When a system is so toxic I think it should be changed...no one has to be kept, decisions can be made..and why not? Not my decision, but it is my impact~ The people I serve, deserve me and the others that do so much. That's it for today, just some thoughts and maybe the beginning of change.

Skyped with the Duncan's...pure and simple joy! Merci God for loving us as you do~

Friday, November 4, 2011

God who carries me~


My days at work are becoming harder and harder for me~ "A basket full of Misfits" is what our staff was called by one of my favorite nurses yesterday and it carried in to today~ I could never allow myself to think of me that way...just because I do the work I do because of my own experience. I see me as a hero of sorts to others struggling with addiction as I once did. A role model..one day at a time...and in the world to help, to share that health and happiness are possible with our "simple program". I am ever so grateful..and love my journey, no matter what it brings. It is good to be~ Merci God, for being who you are to me and to my family~ Peace

Thursday, November 3, 2011

God who carries me~


Merci for coming into my life the second I came into yours.

Happy Birthday to my little godson~Nollie. What a special dinner we shared~ i love you, Cici

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

God~

Breast Cancer thoughts~

Be So, Do So...
Be the person we were put on this earth to Be,
& Do as we were meant to Do.
We could all use a little reminder of keeping it
positive & authentic in this thing we call life.
Our mission is to get the word out, share the love,
& Believe that peace is possible.
The best in each of us, enriches all of us.
Be So. Do So.

Merci for today~ Dad, breakfast, walk around the lake, home, dinner with Kimberly~fun, and home~ it is all a blessing, that I know~